Bada Story, Fort Lee

- 799 Abbott Blvd, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

In the heart of Fort Lee, a town celebrated for its vibrant Korean culinary scene, Bada Story stands out as a premier destination for authentic, high-quality Korean seafood and sashimi. The name, which translates to "Story of the Sea," perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's focus on delivering an exceptional ocean-to-table experience that draws patrons from across the Tri-State area. Bada Story is not just a Korean restaurant; it is a specialized seafood and sushi establishment that upholds a serious commitment to the freshness and authenticity of its ingredients.

The core of Bada Story's reputation rests on its dedication to traditional Hwar-Uh, or live sashimi. To ensure the highest quality, the restaurant imports key ingredients, including various live fish, sea squirts, sea cucumbers, and abalone, by air transport twice a week directly from the Port of Busan, South Korea. These live creatures are preserved in specialized saltwater aqua tanks until they are ready to be served, guaranteeing a level of freshness that is exceptionally rare in the New Jersey dining landscape. This meticulous sourcing and preparation elevates the entire dining experience, providing a true taste of a Korean seafood feast.

The atmosphere at Bada Story is best described as a lively combination of casual and trendy. It's a place designed to host groups, making it ideal for family celebrations, business dinners, or an exciting night out with friends. The menu offers flexible and value-driven options, particularly the multi-course set menus, which provide a feast-like spread of sashimi, side dishes (known as skidashi or banchan), stews, and fried items, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Location and Accessibility

Bada Story, Fort Lee, is conveniently located at 799 Abbott Blvd, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, a prime address in a popular Bergen County dining hub. Its location makes it easily accessible from major roads and bridges, serving not only the local community but also drawing a significant crowd from further afield. Navigating the busy Fort Lee area is made manageable by the available parking options, though patrons should plan ahead.

The restaurant offers both a paid parking lot and paid street parking, reflecting its presence in a high-demand commercial area. For guests requiring specific accommodations, the premises feature a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and wheelchair-accessible seating, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all patrons. Given its popularity, the restaurant often experiences a wait, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.

Services Offered

Bada Story provides an array of dining services focused primarily on the in-house experience, with a few convenient options for those on the go:

• Dine-in: Full table service in a casual and trendy setting for lunch and dinner.
• Reservations: The restaurant strongly recommends and accepts dinner reservations, essential for groups and weekend visits due to the usual wait times.
• Takeout: Orders are accepted for takeout, allowing customers to enjoy the restaurant's offerings at home.
• Table Service: Full service is provided for an authentic and attentive dining experience.
• Alcohol Service: A full range of alcoholic beverages is available, including beer, hard liquor, wine, and a dedicated selection of Korean Soju, Makgeoli, and premium and house Sakes.
• Children’s Menu: A limited Children's Roll is available, and a special policy allows up to two children under five to eat free with accompanying adults.

Features / Highlights

The defining characteristics of Bada Story go beyond the typical Korean restaurant, positioning it as a specialized Korean seafood haven:

• Authentic Korean Sashimi (Hoe): Specializes in Hwar-Uh (live fish) sashimi, with options like Live Fluke Sushi, Live Spotted Sole, Fluke, and Bone-In Spotted Sole. This focus on fresh, often live-imported fish is a signature local specialty.
• Premium Set Menus: The renowned multi-course set meals, such as the 'Southern Sea Special' and 'Eastern Sea Special,' are a highlight. These sets provide a full feast, featuring a boat of sashimi, various banchan (side dishes), savory pancakes, fried fish, and spicy seafood stews, offering excellent value for groups.
• Exotic Sea Creatures: The menu includes authentic Korean delicacies such as Yellow Sea Live Octopus, Sea Squirt, Sea Cucumber, and Abalone, catering to adventurous and traditional Korean palates.
• Omakase and High-End Options: High-roller options like the ‘Bada Queen Table’ ($599.99), ‘Bada Tuna Table’ ($399.99), and the ‘Omakase Special’ ($139.99) are available for the ultimate group indulgence and premium dining experience.
• Late-Night Dining: The availability of late-night food options caters to the local community's schedule, providing flexible dining hours.
• Extensive Korean & Japanese Beverage List: A carefully curated selection of Korean Soju (Chamisul, Chum-Churum, Hwayo), traditional Korean rice wines (Makgeoli, Bokbunja), and premium Japanese Sake (Kubota Manju, Dassai 23) is offered to complement the seafood.
• Fast and Attentive Service: The restaurant is noted for its fast service, ensuring a smooth and efficient meal flow even when busy.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or takeout orders, New Jersey diners can contact Bada Story at the following:

• Address: 799 Abbott Blvd, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA
• Phone: (201) 886-3888
• Mobile Phone (Direct Dial): +1 201-886-3888

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in the New Jersey area seeking an authentic Korean seafood experience, Bada Story is undeniably worth choosing, particularly for its specialized fresh sashimi and comprehensive set menus. The dedication to flying in fish directly from Busan, South Korea, twice a week is a logistical feat that directly translates into the superior freshness and quality of the raw fish, which is the cornerstone of Korean-style sashimi (hoe). Patrons consistently rate the quality of the raw fish as excellent, describing the sashimi as "incredibly fresh" and "melted in my mouth."

The best value and most memorable experience are found in the large, multi-course set menus (e.g., Eastern/Southern Sea Specials or the Assorted Sashimi Special). These sets transform a simple dinner into a true Korean feast, where the main sashimi course is complemented by a generous stream of side dishes (skidashi) like spicy seafood stew, fried whole fish, pancakes, and various other appetizers. This format is perfect for groups and families, offering variety and abundant portions that satisfy both adults and children.

For adventurous diners, the opportunity to try authentic Korean delicacies such as the Live Spotted Sole or the infamous Yellow Sea Live Octopus is a unique draw. The availability of high-end, rare Sakes and Korean liquors further enhances the special occasion dining appeal. While some patrons note the pricing is on the higher side, the consensus is that the overall experience—including the quality, the volume of food, and the authentic Korean seafood style—makes Bada Story a valuable and unique culinary investment in North Jersey.

Bada Story, Fort Lee

799 Abbott Blvd, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA